New Delhi Current Affairs

The 14th edition of JashneBachpan, a theatre festival for children was held at the Sammukh, Abhimanch, Abhikalp and Little Theatre Group (LTG) auditorium in New Delhi. It was organised by National School of Drama’s (NSD) Theatre in Education (TIE) Company.

Key Facts

The nine-day theatrical extravaganza for children saw performances of 21 productions from India and three foreign groups including Sri Lanka (non-verbal), Switzerland (English) and Indonesia (Javanese). Its main aim was to bring theatre into prominence as it has lost its sheen in modern era because of digital medium. It seek to make children aware of theatre as schools do not have theatre as subject.

The plays during the festival were divided into four categories – by children, by children and adults, by adults for children and puppetry performances. From India, total of 24 groups were selected out of 221 entries from various states such as Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi, and West Bengal among others.

The plays will be performed in vernacular languages like Bengali, Marathi, Assamese, and Malayalam besides non-verbal, English, Hindi and other foreign languages. Folk dances from Assam (Bihu), Sikkim (Lion Dance), Nagaland (Kabul Naga Dance) and Manipur (Stick Balance) were main attractions of the event.

Shri Ramayana Express, a special tourist train to run on Ramayana circuit to cover major spots related to Hindu epic was flagged off by Indian Railways from Safdarjung Railway Station, New Delhi. The pilgrimage circuit of Shri Ramayana Yatra will have two travel components — one each in India and Sri Lanka.

Shri Ramayana Express

In India, after leaving New Delhi, 800-seat Shri Ramayana Express will make its first stop in Ayodhya followed by Hanuman Garhi Ramkot and Kanak Bhawan temple. Then it cover important destinations of Ramayana circuit such as Nandigram, Sitamarhi, Janakpur, Varanasi, Prayag, Shringverpur, Chitrakoot, Nasik, Hampi and Rameshwaram.

It will complete its journey till Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu in 16 days covering all important destinations associated with the life of Lord Shri Ram. The railways has decided the fare for 16-day trip at Rs. 15,120 per person.

The Sri Lanka leg of the tour will be charged separately as passengers opting for Sri Lanka leg of Ramayana Yatra package can take flight to Colombo from Chennai. Railways is currently offering five-night/six-day Sri Lanka tour package at cost starting from Rs. 47,600 per person.